We spent the next week messing around in the Vancouver/Portland area, hanging out and making dinners with Grammy, and getting outdoors as much as possible to enjoy the fall weather.
We still have a few old toys around, and it turns out that for kids, getting on a pogo stick really is like riding a bike.
Saw a movie at the Bagdad, and enjoyed some of the neon along Hawthorne.
Pumpkins and Puppies was what they called the big puppy calendar unveiling at Grammy’s place. Seeing as Bridget was the queen of November, and there was pumpkin pie being served, we couldn’t miss it.
And then it began.
Ouest whipped up the pistachio salad. It uses neither pistachios, or salad, but it does turn the marshmallows and Cool Whip a satisfying shade of green and brings back memories of a Minnesota childhood.
Scarred the kids for life by pulling the bits and pieces out of the turkey’s “butt”.
The house is an AirBnB, but the people are real.
The kids with Annie, Aunt Beth’s dog.
This is Ali’s first attempt at making turkey, and it’s fair to say we were all very pleased with the results.
Lowe got up from his seat for a few seconds, and Bridget couldn’t stand not seeing what was going on so she seized her chance.
We were all thankful, and frankly rather amazed, to be able to spend another Thanksgiving with Grammy. Not even a year earlier it would have seemed impossible that we’d be sharing this day with her. I’m also thankful for having two great kids and an incomparable wife who are always up for anything and willing to take on the world with me each and every day.
That night I packed up a big box of food and took everyone home. On the way back I looked around for someone to give the food to. You don’t have to look hard in this area to find people who have seemingly no reason to be thankful. I found a nice couple sitting in the cold out front of a closed Wendy’s restaurant next to their tarp covered pickup truck. The meal would taste good, but it wouldn’t solve any problems for them. Admittedly, the act was more for me than it was for them. I need a reminder now and then of just how fortunate I am. I’ve seen a good chunk of the world, and know that without a doubt, even here in the land of plenty, I am one of the lucky ones. Lucky, because I’ve got more to give thanks for than I can even list.
13 Comments on “Givingthanks”
Great Post and wonderful, true, sentiments, Pat!
Grammy is looking absolutely fabulous–like she was never sick! I’m so happy she and Bridget are doing well. What a wonderful post. Your gratitude for what you have and appreciation for your family truly touched me this evening. It made me look around and see the blessings that I take for granted. A little kick in the pants is necessary sometimes. Thanks. Looking forward to the next post.
It really should be “Baghdad.”
Ali is missing in so many of your group pictures as she’s frequently the photographer. She could be with the group if you put the camera with a self-timer on a tripod or other stable surface so she be in more photos. Another suggestion (ahem, cough cough) is to caption all your photos. Photos need captions to appreciate what the photographer is seeing.
Despite my apparent criticisms, I have been enjoying your adventures from the beginning & still do.
A beautiful post with wonderful family photos! Great to see Grammy looking so healthy & happy! Well done on that turkey Ali-mouth watering! We just returned to the US after an extended trip & were shocked to see so many homeless people here. So kind of you to consider them with your leftovers from that feast!
Wishing you all the joys of the holiday season & exciting adventures in 2024! I am thankful that you allow us to follow along vicariously! 🙂
Glad you were able to spend time with Grammy this Thanksgiving.
I’m responsible for making the pistachio salad for each holiday gathering. Definitely tasty, but the only nutritious part of it is the pineapple!
Congratulations, Ali! That turkey looks amazing!
A wonderful post! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thrilled to see your Mother and her lovely smile. Ali, your turkey looks super; bet it tasted good too.
What an amazing and blessed family you are and it’s heartwarming to see how you spread love and gratitude around there world. It’s always so fun to see the pictures of your family together because you all radiate love and caring for each other. Enjoy the holidays 😊
Nice to see Ali in some photos. Grammy looks fantastic.
Great pictures !! Than you for sharing your holiday with everyone!! It looks like a fun, family time. Your Mom looks amazing !!
🥰